Michael Dawson has said on Sky Sports News (2:23pm, December 26, 2021) that Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli is starting to realise his importance to Mikel Arteta’s side now.
The former Tottenham Hotspur central defender believes that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s absence from the Arsenal team is helping Martinelli to flourish.
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Alan McInally seems to have the same opinion about the Arsenal forward.
McInally said: “Martinelli was not getting an opportunity in the team because of Aubameyang, because of Pepe etc etc, and now he is getting an extended run in the team. I think the boy is proving exactly how good a player he is.
Dawson said: “I think he is now starting to realise the importance of himself in the team. Before, with Aubameyang, he was probably thinking that he was going to come in for one game, but now he is on the teamsheet and is playing consistently.”
Gabriel Martinelli flourishing at Arsenal
In our opinion, Aubameyang not playing has helped Martinelli get into the Arsenal team.
The Brazilian forward is not exactly a number 9, but he is a very good goalscorer who also works hard for the team.
Martinelli tends to start out wide and then drifts in.
As the 20-year-old has shown in recent weeks, he is very good with his finishes and can link up play as well.
The Arsenal no. 35 has scored four goals and provided two assists in eight Premier League starts so far this season.
In our view, Martinelli will play a big role in Arsenal’s quest to finish in the top four of the Premier League table this season.
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